Have you ever clogged the toilet at someone else’s house? You desperately search for a plunger to quickly fix the clog and hope nobody wonders what is taking you so long in the bathroom. Whether at home or elsewhere, there is nothing fun about a clogged toilet! The faster it is fixed, the better! That is why today we are going to talk about what can safely be flushed, how to fix a clogged toilet, the best types of plungers, and what to do if you can’t fix it! If you’ve ever had a clogged toilet, and we know you have, then keep reading for some helpful tips!
Clogged toilets can be fixed in a variety of ways. It depends on what is causing the clog and how bad the clog is. An extra flush, a good plunger, or the help of an experienced plumber are all possible fixes, depending on the clog.
Sun Plumbing has been serving the Melbourne, FL, area for over 45 years. Our plumbers have seen every type of clog you can imagine. Some are little and easily fixed yourself, while others require the help of a professional plumber. How big the clog is and where it is located in the plumbing system will make a difference. This article is going to give you some helpful tips on toilet clogs.
What Can Safely Be Flushed?
Toilet paper is the one thing that is safe to flush, but even that can be tricky. One-ply is the least likely to clog your toilet, but we know most of you won’t like that suggestion. If using thicker toilet paper, you may want to consider multiple flushes instead of trying to flush a toilet bowl full of thick toilet paper. While it is important to conserve water, most newer toilets are low-flow and use a conservative amount of water per flush. Additionally, it only costs a little over 1 cent per flush, so you don’t need to worry about your water bill. The extra flushes won’t add up to much. If you are interested in learning more about what can safely be flushed, please refer to one of our previous blogs that dealt entirely with this question.
How Can You Fix a Clogged Toilet?
As mentioned above, the fix will depend on the nature of the clog. If it is too much toilet paper, it can often be fixed with a plunger. However, if overuse of toilet paper is an ongoing problem, your clog may be further down your pipes and require the help of a plumber to auger (“snake”) the pipe to clear the clog. If it is a foreign object, such as your toddler’s rubber ducky, causing the clog, you will also likely need the assistance of a plumber. Plungers and augers are the two most common tools used to fix toilet clogs.
What Is the Best Type of Plunger?
Not all plungers are created equally. The least expensive and most common plunger that everyone is familiar with is the plunger with the straight wooden handle and red rubber dome. This is not ideal for toilets, however. Its flat bottom doesn’t seal well over the opening at the bottom of your toilet bowl.
The next most familiar plunger has a straight wooden handle with a black rubber dome that has two levels. This is better than the red plunger. It may be effective, but may not work on the toughest clogs.
The best plunger for your toilet is an accordion plunger which is black plastic from top to bottom. It is designed specifically for toilets, creating a tighter seal and stronger suction.
What Should You Do if You Can’t Clear the Clog?
The time must come in everyone’s life when they have to call a professional plumber. They have the right training and the right tools to beat the toughest clogs. We know that many of you out there are excellent at do-it-yourself projects. We commend that. Don’t feel defeated by the need to call a plumber. We are trained for our trade. Nobody can fix everything themselves. That’s why trades exist! So, if you can’t clear your clog, call a professional plumber.
Summary
Clogs happen to everyone. Flushing only toilet paper is a good start to avoiding clogs, but they are inevitable. Ask anyone with little kids! Having a plunger on hand that is designed specifically for toilets is your next line of defense. If all else fails, then call us at Sun Plumbing! We haven’t met a clog we can’t conquer! With service “as dependable as the sun,” you know you can count on us!
